Final answer:
To maintain a safe space cushion under 35 mph, use the two-second rule, allowing at least two seconds of distance between you and the car in front.
Step-by-step explanation:
When driving under 35 mph, you should maintain a space cushion between you and the vehicle ahead of you by using the two-second rule. This rule states that you should stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. To gauge this, you pick a fixed object on the road ahead such as a sign or a tree.
When the vehicle in front of you passes that object, you begin counting seconds and you should not reach the object before you can count to two. This gives you enough time and distance to respond to problems on the road and helps prevent collisions.